This report discusses the current state of Bahrain, which has undergone substantial political reforms since the late 1990s, but which still suffers from tension between the Shiite majority and the Sunni-led government. This report focuses particularly on Bahrain's relationship with the United States and with regional issues.

This report discusses the current state of Bahrain, which has undergone substantial political reforms since the late 1990s, but which still suffers from tension between the Shiite majority and the Sunni-led government. It focuses particularly on Bahrain's relationship with Iran and with the United States.

This report includes a historical background of the Sunni-Shiite split and discusses the differences in religious beliefs and practices between and within each Islamic sect as well as their similarities. The report also relates Sunni and Shiite religious beliefs to discussions of terrorism and sectarian violence that may be of interest during the 111th Congress.

Interview with James Voss, a lawyer and employee of the Caltex Petroleum Company from San Antonio, Texas. Voss discusses his earlier life and joining Caltex, work on company claims involving postwar China and other assets affected by World War II, the crude oil market, effects of the Chinese Communist Revolution on the company and markets, company operations in Japan and reconstruction, the company in Korea and Vietnam, mergers, purchases, divestments, expansion in the Mid East, South Africa, re-entry into China, and reflections on the energy business and his career.